Dynamics of information generation and transmissions through a social network in non-recurrent transport behaviour

Travellers attempting to make a non-recurrent trip cannot rely on their own experiences and, consequently, must rely on information generated by others. In such situations, travellers’ choices are subject to information transmissions through a social network; if this does not work well, they fail to make efficient choices owing to lack of information. This study proposes a model that describes the dynamics of information generation and transmissions and conducts an analysis to investigate the conditions that allow travellers to make efficient choices. It is shown that suppressing rapid diffusions of information and encouraging intentional searching for information can help travellers to make efficient choices.

► Travellers’ choice behaviour model in a social network is proposed. ► Effect of information transmissions on behaviour is theoretically analysed. ► Rapid information diffusion can suppress travellers’ efficient choices. ► Intentional search of information can help travellers make efficient choices.